It was for Leona an all too familiar voice. Her eyes widened as the color drained from her face.
“This way, you say? Lead on, my man!” said the voice with loud heartiness. “Come along, my dear. Seems like that hoyden sister of yours has done well for herself, very well indeed.”
Leona closed her eyes and cringed. She missed seeing the anguished look Deveraux sent her along with the dull red that crept up his neck.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sharply,” announced the butler from the doorway.
Leona rose slowly, a sick feeling of betrayal gnawing at her heart. She cast one glance filled with anger, loathing, and pain at Deveraux before she crossed to her sister to enfold her in a stiff embrace.
“Rosalie! What a delightful surprise!” Her smile was strained.
“And how about a hug for your ol’ brother-in-law, you sly puss,” George Sharply said heartily. He grabbed her, nearly throwing her off balance as he took his hug.
Deveraux’s face darkened, and he moved to rise, but his mother held his hand firmly, keeping him seated.
“Bring your family to meet us, Leona. You forgive that we do not rise? As you see, my careless son has hurt his hand, and I must dress it.”
Leona brought them forward and made the introductions stonily.
“But you must be tired from your long journey,non?I confess we did not expect to see you for some time yet. Leona, ring for Madame Henry to show our guests to their room,” Lady Nevin said courteously yet dismissively.
George Sharply looked like he would have denied fatigue and settled down to join them, but his wife pulled on his arm, timidly agreeing with Lady Nevin that they could do with a chance to rest and freshen up.
After the door closed behind them, Lady Nevin released Nigel’s hand and sat back in her chair.
"Maintenant.What is going on? Leona, you are not pleased with my son’s little surprise?”
“No, no, I am not!” Leona declared, whirling around to face Deveraux.
He rose to his feet.
“Of all the arrogant, high-handed things you have said or done in our brief acquaintance, Mr. Deveraux, this is by far the worst! You know how I feel about that-that idiot! How could you?” The last was almost a wail.
Deveraux crossed to Leona, grasping her shoulders. He could feel the anger and chagrin pulsing through her. He had to explain, had to make her understand—but how?
“I thought—I thought—Damn. How did this get so complicated? Leona, I didn’t understand before?—”
She laughed shrilly, her eyes glistening. “No. All you understand is what you think is right! You have no concern for others. It must always be your way! I thought you listened when I told you of Sharply, how he was, how he tries to usurp me. You seemed to understand. How could I have been so wrong, so blind! Let go of me!” she cried, twisting out of his grip. Her entire body was trembling. She stepped backward toward the door.
“You have never respected me or my judgment. Everything I do is wrong in your eyes. You are continually trying to change me into some weak, helpless bit of fluff. Well, I won’t change, for this is me!”
“Leona, please listen. I know I was wrong. I didn’t understand until this morning?—”
“Be quiet! Just be quiet, do you hear me! I don’t want to hear any more!” She clapped her hands over her ears, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Haven’t you done enough for one day? Just leave me be,” she sobbed, turning to run from the room.
Deveraux started after her.
“Let her go, Nigel,” said Lady Nevin.
“No, I must explain?—”
“Nigel, let the poor girl go. She has suffered enough this day.” Lady Nevin rose tiredly to her feet. “You make me feel so old. . . .You are animbecile,” she said, coming up next to him.
"I know, Maman, I know.”
She shook her head sadly. “I do not understand all that has happened, but I have a good notion.”
Deveraux laughed harshly. “Most likely a very good notion.”
